Hello- First Time Posting.
I am a security guard. My last location-i drove on freeway.
New location- I drive 9 miles, going at 4:30 p.m. on surface st. in
fairly heavy traffic. I have a very light foot & cruise to red lights.
My car goes into 4th gear at just over 40 mph- app 2k rpm.
Other cars i had went into 4th earlier- like at 30mph.
Is this normal for the HHR?
If not-can sensor,computer,etc. be changed so engine kicks down
earlier and i can get better fuel milage? The drive averages between
10-45mph. I go home at midnight-so no traffic; and i can kick car up
to 42mph, so the rpm wll go down. Please help.

2006 HHR LT / 2.4 Automatic
68K Miles

 

to the forum rtp!

Your transmission is changing up at the normal shift points, under light to moderate throttle 4th gear engages between 35-40 mph. That rpm drop at 42 mph is the torque converter locking up, that's within its normal 37-42 mph range.

HHR's will adapt to your driving style, the engine control module has what's called a "Learn-Down" mode where it adjusts things like fuel trim in response to your driving. Disconnecting the negative battery cable for a mininum of 30 minutes will reset the ECM to its baseline defaults, but I doubt you'd see any changes in your mileage.

For the best economy, the old common sense things still work best.

* Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle.
* Keep the tires inflated to the proper pressure.
* Avoid excessive idling, 0 mph = 0 mpg.
* Accelerate briskly to your intended speed, then get off the throttle.
* Service the vehicle regularly, a dirty air filter will cost you mileage.

 

Thank you very much 843de! The local tire & oil guys referred me to the GM dealer.
The service advisor there told me 4th gear should kick in at 55mpg ! Will be looking through
the posts to learn about the car and mechanics in general.

 

I've read that the computer/transmission learns the typical driving patterns of a user and sets the shift speeds accordingly. If you're the only driver, it sounds like your computer hasn't learned very well.

 

I have a real light foot and my 2.4L auto will get into lock up at 38 mph and the rpms will be 1500.

 

I'm glad that you took your vehicle into the dealership and they informed you of the information you were looking for. If you have any other questions or concerns please let me know.

Jessica L.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

I made a point of testing my 2011LT today. It locks up around 55MPH if you are still accelerating then, if not around 40MPH.

 

Also...TC will not lock up under 160 deg eng temp